Photos: The Kurator’s Paris Fashion Week round-up

Chanel

Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection made a triumphant return to the Grand Palais, a setting synonymous with the house’s storied history. After four years of restoration, the iconic venue reopened with a show that embraced freedom and elegance. Models walked through a towering, open birdcage — a nod to the decorative piece from Gabrielle Chanel's apartment, symbolising the liberation and lightness that defined the collection. Flowing chiffon capes, breezy slit skirts, wide-leg trousers, and trench coats adorned with multicoloured feather prints brought the theme to life, with every piece reflecting delicacy and movement. Although Chanel remains without a creative director, this collection stood as a remarkable tribute to the house’s enduring spirit, signalling a new chapter while honouring its rich heritage.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, presented by Nicolas Ghesquière, explored the harmony between contrast and balance. The collection played with the idea of "sartorial soft power," blending structured silhouettes with light, ethereal fabrics. Ghesquière juxtaposed sharp tailoring with fluid, delicate textures, creating garments that seemed to flow yet maintained a defined strength. Artist Laurent Grasso’s works from Studies into the Past appeared on select pieces, adding depth and intrigue. The show was accompanied by music from Jamie xx’s latest album, enhancing the atmosphere of dynamic movement and understated power. With these artistic touches, Louis Vuitton once again demonstrated its ability to push the boundaries of high fashion.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga’s Spring/Summer 2025 show was nothing short of a spectacle, turning the runway into an elaborate dining scene under the guidance of designer Demna. A-list guests, including Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour, witnessed a striking collection that blended modern tech with high fashion. The show featured intricate lace bodysuits layered beneath structured outerwear, while accessories like smartphones emblazoned with the Balenciaga logo and bags with built-in chargers added a futuristic flair. Set to the iconic tune of Britney Spears' "Gimme More," the show was both playful and provocative, celebrating fashion’s ability to blend form with function in unexpected ways.

Dior

Dior’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, paid tribute to strength and femininity with a powerful yet elegant display. Drawing from the house’s history, the collection revisited the Amazon dress from 1951, translating it into modern designs that embraced asymmetry and early 2000s influences. The predominantly black-and-white collection was further enhanced by the dramatic inclusion of artist SAGG Napoli, who fired arrows at a target on the runway, reinforcing the collection’s themes of power and precision. Chiuri’s designs, with their striking cuts and strong silhouettes, encapsulated a modern sense of empowerment and grace.

Loewe

Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection took minimalism to new heights under Jonathan Anderson's visionary direction. This season, Anderson focused on fluidity and form, creating garments that appeared simple yet were full of complex construction and texture. The collection’s dreamy silhouettes, paired with luxe materials like silk and nappa leather, reflected a balance between ease and refinement. Tailored pieces flowed elegantly around the body, and accessories like the updated Puzzle bag and artistic footwear grounded the ethereal designs in everyday practicality. The standout of the collection, a T-shirt featuring sheet music from Johann Sebastian Bach, captured the collection’s emphasis on understated elegance and quiet sophistication.

Valentino

Alessandro Michele’s first runway collection for Valentino, titled Pavillon des Folies, marked a dazzling new era for the house. The collection drew inspiration from Valentino’s vibrant 1970s archive while blending Michele’s signature love for maximalism and bold styling. The runway was alive with oversized hats, veils, dramatic ruffles, and polka dots, all working together to create an exuberant and joyful celebration of fashion. Michele explored the idea of dressing up as an art form, presenting garments that were both playful and luxurious. Paying homage to Valentino’s iconic red, the collection highlighted the house’s timeless elegance while offering a fresh perspective through Michele’s visionary lens.